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FIGHTING FOR A CURE: Event raises $ for cancer research

COLUMBIA CITY — Participants in Whitley County’s Relay For Life took to the Indian Springs Middle School track, Saturday, for 24 hours in an effort to raise funds for cancer research.Each lap took them one dollar closer to finding a cure. Partnering with the American Cancer Society, those participating in the event walked as survivors, caregivers or for those who lost their battle to cancer. To make special the memory of those lost to cancer, caregivers released balloons into the sky.This year’s event was themed “Carnival for a Cure.” Lisa Stoll, co-chair of Whitley County’s event said Relay For Life serves many purposes.“We do this to raise money for ACS (American Cancer Society), but it goes further than that,” said Stoll. “I mean, we believe that there is a cure for cancer and we really fight and strive to get the community to understand that their help is why we do this.” Along with these reasons, Stoll said the event also brings awareness to the services ACS has to offer and the different programs available for people battling cancer.One of those programs is “Look Good, Feel Better,” which is offered to women going through chemotherapy. This group teaches patients how to look good through scientific methods of skin care, wig applications, etc.“Cancer affects every person in their life,” said Stoll. Stoll said Relay for Life hopes to get children more involved, like the students at Coesse Elementary School who did their own mini relay. These students collectively raised over $1,700 for ACS.“These kids know their life is affected by cancer, whether we like to admit it or not,” said Stoll. “It’s so important that we involve children in this fight. They are the next generation of fighters, and they are there to be with us.” The two day event, began on Saturday and included hours of auctions, face painting and competitions.